Photo booths are everywhere these days. They're become somewhat of a necessity for events of every kind. While photo booths of every shape, size, and kind exist, those that allow for an 'open format', like ours at The SnapBar, are unique for a few reasons.
First, they allow more people to jump in on a single photo. Second, they usually (not always) provide for better lighting conditions. Third, they let clients get more creative with their backdrop options. All of this is great news for those wanting to make their photo booth experience even more unique.
When looking at backdrops in particular, it's incredible how different they can make your photo booth images look and 'feel'. We've put together 7 of the most creative (as well as some of the most classic) photo booth backdrops that have been used at SnapBar events.
1. Shimmering Gold Backdrop
One of the classics. Gold sequin backdrops are used at weddings, Roaring 20's themed parties, and even 'Casino Night' corporate parties. Photo booth companies need to know how to light the backdrop well, as they do tend to reflect some harsh light, but if done well, gold photo booth backdrops are loved by everyone. You can buy some incredible gold backdrops from Drop It Modern here: http://www.dropitmodern.com/collections/backdrops
2. Industrial Brick & Concrete Backdrops
Brick walls make GREAT backdrops. So do concrete walls for that matter. It contrasts well with people in the shot, adds a very industrial (sometimes rustic) look to the photos, and never gets stepped on by tipsy guests. If you can arrange for a spot of your brick-walled venue to be cleared, we'd highly recommend using it as the photo booth backdrop!
3. Classic Wood Backdrop
Similar to brick backdrops, wooden walls make GREAT backdrops. At The SnapBar we tend to use wooden walls for barn and old church weddings. As you can see in the photo below, wood reflects really well and also contrasts the bright colors you usually find at weddings and parties. If you're desperate for a wooden backdrop but don't have it naturally at your venue, you can buy printed wood patterns on vinyl and other materials from shops like Ink & Elm on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/InkAndElm
4. Real-Life Floral Backdrop
For a really unique backdrop, try using real plants, flowers, and floral elements. You could hang them over a solid color like the picture below, or fill the entire backdrop with them. It's obviously much more time intensive, but you're almost guaranteed to have a COMPLETELY unique backdrop. We've only used floral photo booth backdrops at weddings, and they're usually put together by a florist design boutique, but they're worth a shot if the aesthetics of your event lean towards a floral / forest theme. For floral design, we've worked with La Fleur Kitchen, a botanical design studio in California. Their team rocks!
5. Glimmer & Glitter Backdrop
To get the 'bokeh' effect in the image below, our clients ordered a custom, vinyl backdrop with a the glittery pattern below printed on it. Interestingly, it was printed out of focus deliberately so it gave the impression of a shallow depth of field. Photo booth backdrops really do become almost limitless when you use printed vinyl or fabric options, but the biggest concern if you go down this road is the glare that vinyl produces and the fact that would can't fold them unless you want to see the creases in the photos. For custom, printed backdrops we recommend using Backdrops2Go.com.
6. DIY Polka Dot Backdrop
The backdrop below was a DIY project. Our clients bought a bunch of circular shapes made from different card-stock sheets and sewed together and then proceeded to hang them all over a 9ft wide white paper backdrop. The end result (as you can see below) looks great but was done on the cheap. If this idea suits the styling of your event, you can accomplish it for under $80 and save quite a bit on a custom vinyl or gold sequin photo booth backdrop. Here's a link to some Etsy offerings for circular 'garlands' like the ones in the photo: Etsy garlands
7. Step-In '3D' Backdrop
Our final example is a backdrop / frame combo (a step-in backdrop) that Nordstrom built for a fashion event we attended. The backdrop itself was printed onto fabric and supported with a regular backdrop support system. The frame was propped up several feet in front of the backdrop and was a custom creation. The creative department at Nordstrom printed the golden frame in 4 poster board sections that were attached to one another to create the golden frame and Nordstrom hashtag. The effect looks fantastic but was surprisingly simple as a whole.
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